Interested in an Acoustic Guitar...soliciting feedback.

[elsmooth]

Hey all. I'm thinking about picking up a new hobby...playing guitar! It's always been one of those things I've been very interested in trying my hand at, but other things in life just got in the way. Well...no longer! Lord knows I'm young enough to still learn new things, but I'm sure not getting younger. The time is now, if ever.

I'm left-handed, and interesting in getting an acoustic.

For the actual instrument, based upon various reviews, the below caught my eye (no reviews in this listing, but I've found numerous elsewhere).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846

From someone thinking about giving this a go, I appreciate any feedback the group has (on both my selection of guitar and the beginner's learning process in general).

 

[Prince]

I'm no expert, but I'd find a music store in the area and see which ones sound best. Try not to be too concerned about the price. My brother in law spent $1K on an acoustic, that to me, has a very flat sound. Mine is a brighter sounding acoustic that was under $150.

Both of us are happy since the guitar sounds like we want it to.

The Yamaha is a good brand, but if it doesn't sound right to you, then you'll be disapppointed with it.

 

[elsmooth]

Thanks for the advice, Prince...I'm definitely going to put that idea as a weekend excursion.

 

[Hirsute]

Also, if you can, I'd recommend buying from a dealer that includes a professional set up, or spending the $ to take it to a local shop to get it set up. Entry level instruments aren't always set up to play well straight from the factory, and a proper set up will include a fret dress and leveling, nut and bridge adjustment, and will help make your instrument easier to play and learn on. Some shops will throw it in for free if you purchase there; others will charge ~ $50.

Also, for learning, there are tons and tons of great free materials and lessons online. Find a community like B&B dedicated to acoustic guitar and ask lots of questions. I picked up the ukulele this year and have kept myself plenty busy with online free resources.

 

[Toxic515]

I've played for years, and my son and I build electrics now. I'm going to second the recommendation that you find a local shop and play em. *Prince, I see you're in Dallas, I'm in Denton!* The thing about starting off new with a guitar is that you almost simply CANNOT know what to ask or what to look for. Figure out what you like to look at.. The Yamaha you've chosen is a fine guitar. However, until you put it on your lap (or on a strap) and put your hands on it for a little while, you're not going to know if you are going to love it. The neck might be too thick or too wide for your hand. You may love the sound, or you may not. You may find that the body is too large, too thick, or not enough of something to suit you. Seeing one live will help some with that. If the price is WAY different, then at least when you order online, you'll have a better idea of what you should expect.

Also, buying locally will sometimes include a "setup". Buying online won't. What that means to you, especially on an acoustic, is that the strings won't be so bloody high that it tears your fingers to bits trying to play it. (they'll hurt plenty at first just fine on their own without help from ridiculously high strings) It means that it will have the nut correctly slotted so that you stay in tune, and it means that if the neck needs to be adjusted with the truss rod, they'll line it up etc. Many many people start off with a guitar that they got "cheap" with the idea that if they don't like it, they're not out much money. Decide before you buy if it's something you're willing to put some time in on. Then spend enough to get good gear from the start. (NOT saying that the Yamaha is bad gear at all) You don't need to go out and get a top end Taylor or Martin to get a damned fine acoustic guitar that you love. Like Prince, my 'daily' acoustic, and probably my favourite is an off brand (Johnson) that I got for about $150. My son has a masterbuilt Epiphone that I just don't like to play. He loves it. (Markedly more expensive). If you can get into a local shop that's not a Guitar Center, and someone that is MOSTLY guitars, they'll likely give you a lot of help selecting your instrument, and work within your price range. I know my favourite place here in town does. They don't push an upsell, and they offer a full setup with every purchase. Lefty flat tops aren't as readily available as a right handed one. (You already know that!) As a result, your selection will be a bit more limited. Many models are available in both configurations, so you MIGHT find a righty that you like the look and feel of, and have a lefty ordered.

If you buy online, take it to a tech for a setup anyway.. Right off the bat! It'll run you between $30 and $40 usually, and they'll tell you if the neck is warped, which is always a concern when you buy online. (at least to ME)

If you have a friend that knows guitars, take them with you. They'll have opinions galore, most likely, but ideally they won't let you get oversold or pushed into buying something that has a warped neck, improperly set up hardware or whatever.

LASTLY: I also know a number of lefties that play guitar or bass in a "right handed" way. From what I'm told (My wife is a southpaw that plays bass that way) It's awkward at the start, but so is learning at all. SO, at least it's a possible option.

Best of luck to ya!!

 

[T-Dog]

I took up the guitar about two-years ago, but I started with an electric. Last year I bought myself a good beginner's acoustic: an Epiphone PR-150 from Guitar Center for $119. It came double-boxed in the factory sealed box, with hardly a mark on it (the shipping was free as well). It plays great, and the only issue was a very slight fret buzz at the very top of the low e-string which is a common complaint (it has actually improved as the guitar has broken-in and is now not an issue).

 

[JaDo]

I had a Taylor for several years and liked it, but I'm not so sure that I would buy another. I wouldnt recommend spending a lot for the first one until you learn a little more. I'll echo whats been said that a properly set up guitar will make a huge difference for you.

 

[Blue_2]

Being a lefty will limit what you can get in most stores. Definitely stay cheap and buy local for your first. A proper setup can be huge on a machine built factory guitar.

 

[blary54]

+1 to the advice to check out your local store. Maybe get a deal on a used one. If you dont find anything and want to get an ok guitar for under $100.00 I go with:

Jasmine-Takamine S35. Its a great first practice guitar. Dont have one but a friend of mine does.
http://www.amazon.com/Jasmine-Takam...id=1343348970&sr=1-1&keywords=acoustic+guitar

 

[Mendel]

I own several acoustics...Martin, Taylor, Breedlove, Seagull, Santa Cruz, Takamine. Remember this always: A guitar will pick you, you don't pick the guitar. To that end, it's important to play several. How do they feel? How do they sound? How is the action, sustain, tone? How is the finish? Is it solid wood or a combination of laminates? What tone woods do you prefer? What size guitar do you prefer? What fretboard width is more comfortable for you? Is the guitar made in America, China, Korea, Canada or somewhere else? Does the country of origin matter to you? Is there attention to detail? Does it come with a gig bag or hard shell case? Does the manufacturer offer a warranty?

I couldn't agree more with the comments regarding set-up. Boutique guitar stores, IMHO, offer better service. The box stores often have guitars that have been abused and not maintained. As a result, I would always ask for one in a box from the back and examine it carefully.

I have heard expensive guitars sound terrible with poor players. And I have heard inexpensive guitars sound great with talented players.

If you are open to a suggestion, I would:

Identify your budget
Play several guitars
Visit several guitar stores
Do your research

You may even want to pick up a copy of Acoustic Guitar Magazine.

IMO, there are several reasonably priced guitars:

Breedlove (Atlas, Passport, and Cascade Models)
Washburn
Ibanez
Yamaha
Takamine G Series
Martin One Series
Taylor 100 or 200 series
Seagull
Beddell

IMO, stay away from the cheap Esteban guitars on HSN. Terrible reviews. Buy the best guitar you can afford.

Feel free to contact me by PM and we can discuss further. Acoustic guitars, like shaving, are one of my passions. You will love learning to play guitar. It's relaxing and cheaper than therapy. Music is the sunshine of our soul.

I hope this helps.

 

[Krona Kruiser]

Listen to Mendel, the guy knows what he's saying. I particularly like his recommendations for inexpensive guitars. In college I was on a tighter budget but wanted a decent guitar for under $250 and I avoided a Yamaha like a plague because it wasn't "cool" enough but as soon as I grabbed this solid-bodied beauty, it chose me.

 

[maxman]

I play a beat up old Seagull that I really like. I ger comments all the time about the tone.
It was about $300 brand new 20 years ago.

Just don't get a soft top. Mine has one and it's marked up pretty bad.
on the other hand it does look kinda cool.

Gear comes and goes. I've had a few guitars over the years. You will too.

 

[elsmooth]

You all have given me much needed advice and plenty to think about...thanks everyone!

 

[Walker]

Good luck to you on your journey! I've been playing for 20 years now and still feel like i'm 16 everytime i noodle around with my little tube amp. All the advice giving here is great. Wish someone toldme some of this stuff when i first started out.

 

[edgerunner]

You guys sent me back in time and made me miss my Gibson L7 archtop knockoff, long time gone - soft strings and touch, curvy slim fretboard, adjustable bridge with nuts, great balance and weight, quiet but made me feel each and every accord smooth like butter. Yea, I was chosen back then. I haven't touched my current noname guitar for 5 years! Maybe it's time to get my fingers swollen again.
There's nothing better than to touch and pet your future guitar, and make it sound, so it can tell you what it wants from you.

 

[scoopster]

I play a beat up old Seagull that I really like. I ger comments all the time about the tone.
It was about $300 brand new 20 years ago.

Just don't get a soft top. Mine has one and it's marked up pretty bad.
on the other hand it does look kinda cool.

Gear comes and goes. I've had a few guitars over the years. You will too.

Yes, play guitars at a local store and consider bringing a friend that knows how to play as well.

I'm a big Seagull fan. Bought an S6 in the mid eighties and its still going strong. My cedar top also has "character". I like this company so much I bought one of their acoustic electrics (Godin A6).

 

[PS27]

Good advice here, and there's plenty of stuff online about "How to Buy Your First Guitar". I agree with advice to go to a shop and play some. Don't rule out used, and despite what I or anyone says about brands, sometimes you just get that magic one in your hands and that's it no matter what the brand or the cost is, so don't worry about what the headstock says if you find "the one".

I'd say, like anything else, spend as much as you can afford--just don't go the cheesiest cheapest--but you don't have to spend more than a couple hundred these days to get a really good guitar. Even though I'm not crazy about Takamines overall for some reason, I found their entry-level inexpensive stuff to be really good for the money. Especially a cedar-topped model that they had a while back, can't recall the model number. I agree Seagulls are nice. (See, there's my love of cedar tops again.)

Then, when you get going, you can spend more money you ever dreamed of spending on your whole shaving gear collection your whole life in one fell swoop and get a wonderful Lowden or Larrivee or something.

But have fun hurting your fingers and thrilling your soul with guitar.

 

[JonnyVain]

First off, don't buy a guitar online. The exact same make and model can sound totally different due to being from a different tree or different part of the tree.

Make sure you like the way the neck feels. Some guitars have bigger necks (Seagull) and some are smaller (Ibanez).

You didn't mention price range, so I'll just recommend anything from Godin - Seagull, Simon & Patrick, Art and Lutherie.

http://www.godinguitars.com/

Alvarez and Taylor make a nice mid range guitar too. Yamaha's not bad.

 

[elsmooth]

You didn't mention price range, so I'll just recommend anything from Godin - Seagull, Simon & Patrick, Art and Lutherie.

I think I'm hoping to keep it under $350. I figure at that price, I should be able to get something that would be a solid value (quality vs. cost).

 

[JonnyVain]

I think I'm hoping to keep it under $350. I figure at that price, I should be able to get something that would be a solid value (quality vs. cost).

You should be able to find Godin brands for that price. Seagulls are right around that (depending on electronics) and Art and Lutherie are around $250. Last I checked anyway.